Summer is on the horizon, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July excitement and other outdoor gatherings are probably part of your seasonal plans. But before you wrap up a summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is equipped for high use.
A plumbing problem while hosting guests is a headache that will surely impact your summer groove. So, the team at Jack Nelson Service Experts, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has shared some worthwhile plumbing maintenance tips. Try them now to better assure your summer satisfaction will be as relaxing as expected.
1. Examine your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems
Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing on the outside of your home. But it’s genuinely the ideal place to start your plumbing maintenance and assessments. Worn sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be counted on more intensively to keep your grass healthy and your kids cool as they repeatedly splash through them for a weekend refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be assessed for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While exterior hose spigot leaks may be obvious to recognize yourself, a professional can alert you to ones that can occur on the interior of the wall, too.
2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, inspect fixtures
Kitchens and bathrooms are your most likely places for a plumbing disaster. You can begin your evaluation by removing all items underneath sinks to check drain pipes and the underside of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets can present clues as well. Mildew, warped wood and old drip spots are symptoms of leaks from either drain pipes or fixtures. Fill sinks with water and monitor how easily the drain works. All clogs and leaks should be sorted out straight away by a professional, and you won’t want to count on liquid agents as a long-term solution for clogs either.
“We strongly discourage homeowners from tackling drain problems with a liquid agent. They may address the clog, but they may also damage plastic or metal pipes,” said BJ Richardson of Jack Nelson Service Experts. “A professional can clean out all your drains, fix a bad one and bring peace of mind with a warranty.”
3. Don’t ignore your sump pump
Summer brings mild weather but also heavy rain in several regions of the country. Those rains may produce floods in basements if your sump pump is unprepared. A properly functioning system minimizes the potential for mold and water problems that can occur even from mild soil seepage at all times of year. The pump must be professionally inspected, debris removed, the power cord looked at, and most important, water put in to the pit to see how quickly it responds. If it quits or acts slowly, it may need to be repaired.
4. Fix toilet leaks
Your water bill might appreciate this move the most. A handful of simple inspections by a qualified service professional could save you water and help you avoid a costly repair. Toilets frequently leak nearby the flapper in the tank, which is likely to break down over time. A specialist can also easily assess other hardware inside the tank and around the whole toilet as well. The pieces inside the tank, in particular, are quite affordable; so, if hoses or washers seem worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be exchanged by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And keep in mind, putting off even the smallest toilet repair today will only result in more substantial, more expensive complications in the future.
5. It’s a good opportunity to drain the water heater
Even though a water heater breakdown may not seem like it’s as difficult in the summer as it would be in colder months, it’s a bother all the same. If you haven’t flushed out your water heater this year, you’ll want to get it done before the summertime fun starts and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters collect minerals and sediment at the tank’s base, which could lead to rust and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A certified plumber can complete this simple task for you while also attending to other maintenance services.
“A lot of these inspections may seem like common sense, but they can easily go overlooked when our lives get busy,” Richardson added. “You can schedule a certified professional to inspect all of your plumbing systems today. That way you can confidently plan your summer fun without the worry of unexpected surprises.”
Eager to request a Jack Nelson Service Experts technician to help get your home ready for maximum summertime fun? You can also visit our website today to learn about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.
Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY